Nigeria appoint former Mali boss Éric Chelle as Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

This decision was made following a recommendation from the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee, which was subsequently endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee.

Chelle, a former coach of the Mali national team, brings extensive experience in African football. He led Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost to the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire.

Chelle stepped down from his position as Mali’s coach in June 2024.

The 47-year-old French-Malian coach has also managed several clubs in France, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. As a player, Chelle represented several French clubs, such as Martigues, Valenciennes, and Lens. Chelle will be replacing José Peseiro, who interim coach Finidi George succeeded after leading the team to the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle’s appointment takes effect immediately, and he will be tasked with guiding the Super Eagles toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His first major challenge will come in March when the Super Eagles play their next round of World Cup qualifiers.